Im having a tough time deciding which area i want to go into. I know character animation is things like Pixar. Which I would like to do ... but I am always drawn to things such as The tiger in Life of Pi and the Creatures from the hobbit and things such as the lizard from the Amazing spiderman.

1. In the latter examples is that still Computer animation
2. Is there a way I can study and know both so I can work at lets say ILM in my life but get laid off and work somewhere like Pixar
3. If you can can you please thoroughly explain the differences,

Im sorry if I am completely wrong or even in the wrong category as well. Im really new to all of this .

Originally Posted by Kanga:JadeS welcome to cgtalk.
Wow that was quick, you didn't even start at ILM yet and you already got laid off?

LOL. Not yet, but the odds are in favor.

I wouldn't sweat the difference just yet. Getting into any topend studio will be a long shot at best. Just start exploring and see which direction you gravitate. I like it all, so I work as a generalist at a much lower level. However, I get variety and make up for missing the big leagues in pay, benefits and a small sense of security.

If you can find your true passion, not what you think you want to do, and absolutely excel at it, you might have a shot.

Dig and explore plenty, no need to lock onto a path now because plans change. Many of my peers have jumped around plenty and still do, some started out chasing something like animation and maybe found modeling or rigging to be the right place for them. I started out in motion graphics and 2d editing and ended up seeking 3d animation as a primary skill set.

Your first year or two of animating is going to be learning, understanding, and applying body mechanics no matter what particular field you end up specializing in, and as mentioned the differences between the different genres at the highest level are subtle.

Looking at Pixar, for example, the animators that did subtle acting shots in The Incredibles also did the superheroic fight scenes. At ILM the animators that did the VFX work on The Avengers also animated quirky characters on Rango. Animators within those studios may prefer or be stronger at a particular type of shot, but they're capable of any of them.

Point being, once you're good enough to work at that level of studio you'll most likely have the skillset to do either, or will at least be quite aware of what to work on.

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